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  • ANKARA: Compelling Statements from Erdogan

    Zaman, Turkey
    May 14 2006

    Compelling Statements from Erdogan
    By Ekrem Dumanli, Bali, Indonesia
    Published:
    zaman.com


    Journalists had the opportunity to hear significant remarks from
    Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on domestic and
    international issues during his visit to Indonesia.

    Erdogan traveled to Indonesia to attend a gathering of D-8 countries
    after his visit to Austria, where a meeting of officials from the
    European Union and Latin American countries was held.

    On the flight from Austria to Indonesia, journalists heard Erdogan
    speak on a wide range of topics - from the Middle East to the upcoming
    presidential elections in Turkey, from the tension between the
    governments of Turkey and France over the so-called Armenian
    genocide, to his recent football performance.

    Erdogan is making plans for a surprise visit to the United States; he
    believes that as Turkey is Co-President of the Greater Middle-East
    and Northern Africa Projects, it has an immense responsibility and
    the Turkish government should do its utmost.

    `The tension in the region is set to mount due to Iran's nuclear
    activities. I do not expect to see a war; however, there is bound to
    be a heavy price for us to pay. I have plans to take a trip to the
    United States as soon as I return to my country.'

    Erdogan pressed for the need to recognize Iran's right to have
    nuclear power, provided that Iran's nuclear involvement be open to
    international inspection.

    The Tehran administration does not object to an examination of its
    nuclear activities, said Erdogan, and stressed the need not to be
    over-judgmental, since it is not the change of regime in Iran that
    deserves focus.

    The recent growing trend of reactionary news in Turkey is bound to
    the approaching presidential elections, said Erdogan.


    Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced he will ask
    the United States for an appointment to discuss the Iran, Iraq, and
    Palestine issues after returning to Turkey from Indonesia.

    `As co-chairman of the Greater Middle East and Northern Africa
    Projects, Turkey is under a huge responsibility,' Erdogan said,
    tension has escalated in the region due to Iran's nuclear activities.


    `I predict hot developments in the region. In such a case, Turkey
    will suffer greatly. I am thinking of visiting the US as soon as I
    return to Turkey, and I will ask for an appointment. On May 25 and
    26, I will meet the German Chancellor Angela Merkel, which is
    important for the United Nations Security Council. We should discuss
    the Iraq, Iran, Israel, and Palestine issues.'

    Erdogan stressed that the Iranian issue can be resolved
    diplomatically and said Iran has the right to enjoy nuclear power;
    however, its activities should be open to international inspections.

    `The issue should not be quickly and harshly resolved. A regime
    change in Iran should not be discussed. There are problems with
    transparency, however, Iran is not against International Atomic
    Energy Agency (IAEA) inspections and the international community
    should be informed about that.'

    Erdogan said he did not approve of the international community
    halting the transfer of financial aid to Palestine after HAMAS
    (Islamic Resistance Movement) won the elections and discussed the
    issue with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

    `Palestine is like an open prison,' Erdogan said, adding, `When Rice
    came to Turkey I asked her about the decision to stop humanitarian
    and financial aid to Palestine and said, `It is not appropriate.'
    Rice said `the US is still sending humanitarian aid' and I told her
    that `Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas does not confirm this.' We
    are discussing humanitarian aid including food, oil, and sugar with
    Turkey's Special Coordinator to Palestine Vehbi Dincerler. I spoke to
    UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. He also shares our feelings.'

    Algeria bill implications

    Erdogan noted France's bill to criminalize denial of the so-called
    Armenian genocide is related to its domestic political issues.

    Emphasizing that French President Jacques Chirac also voiced his
    discomfort over the bill during their conversation in Vienna, Erdogan
    said: `Chirac wants that the bill be decided by the lower wing and
    should not be carried to parliament. He said the agenda of the French
    Parliament was already too busy.'

    Erdogan said he met with representatives of French companies
    operating in Turkey and added that they are also uncomfortable with
    the current situation.

    Erdogan said that a country that has considerable investments in
    Turkey will of course be negatively affected with this kind of a
    situation.

    Replying to a question on whether Turkey could take a similar
    decision about the genocide in Algeria in response to France's move,
    Erdogan said, they have not made any moves towards such a decision
    yet and added: `Our patience continues up to a certain point. We want
    to reach an agreement and we will continue to act with patience, but
    I don't know what will happen if this process in France continues. We
    are not in the position of hostility; however, we can apply our own
    sanctions.'

    Negotiations can start next month

    Prime Minister Erdogan also touched upon Turkey's relations with the
    European Union (EU) during our conversation and said that half the
    screening process was complete.


    Erdogan said the negotiations, which will be conducted as two
    chapters, will start before Austria's term presidency ends in June.


    Erdogan said the process continues and that they do not need to visit
    all EU member countries as they did prior to the December 17 process,
    and added: `We already meet with the leaders during the summits and
    have had the opportunity to impart our position. Even if we do not
    have a place in the family portrait, we are invited to participate as
    a gesture.'


    Erdogan emphasized the government evaluates the developments over the
    EU in all meetings it conducts and added that some important steps
    will be taken next year in order to strengthen ties with the EU.


    AKP ready for contributions to CTA, not for its withdrawal

    `We are ready to work with anybody prepared to contribute to the
    Counter-terrorism Act (CTA). The lawyers or others should come and
    share their concerns about the CTA with us; however, no one should
    expect us to completely withdraw the CTA. About twenty NGO's came to
    us with their concerns about the CTA. I told them `Let's make this
    law as a nation not just as the Justice and Development Party (AKP)
    Government.' The security forces expect legal support from us for
    their struggle against terrorism. The CTA was already prepared
    consulting all organs of the state. The Turkish Armed Forces is one
    of them and the Presidency is another.'
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